Kathmandu: India and Nepal will discuss
controlling unauthorised trade, developing infrastructure in
the border areas and boosting tourism during the visit of
Commerce Minister Rajendra Mahato to New Delhi this week.
Mahato, who leaves Kathmandu tomorrow, told PTI that in
his talks with Indian officials he would discuss measures to
control unauthorised trade and transactions, and expand
bilateral trade.
During the visit of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal last
month, the two countries had finalised an agreement to control
unauthorised trade, particularly from a third country.
Sources close to the minister said he would also discuss
problems being faced by Nepalese businessmen in the border
check points and development of physical infrastructure in the
border areas.
Both the countries have finalised a trade treaty aimed at
enlarging the scope of the existing institutional framework
under which India gives duty-free access to goods manufactured
in Nepal.
Bilateral trade between the two countries was USD 1.8
billion in 2008-09 (April-February).
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, September 21, 2009, 18:20